Not everyone is impressed by the Atlanta Falcons’ trade up with the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which sent shockwaves around the NFL landscape. The deal was swiftly criticized by ESPN experts, who described it as a perplexing choice that might have long-term repercussions for a team that is still struggling.
Los Angeles received a deal that included a 2026 first-round pick, a future third, and a second-round pick after Atlanta moved up from the No. 11 overall pick to the No. 6 pick. Braylen Moore, an edge rusher from Michigan who is generally predicted to be available in the latter half of the top 10, was taken by the Falcons with the sixth pick.
Louis Riddick of ESPN stated during the network’s live broadcast of the draft that “this is just bad business.” “To go acquire a man who might have been at your original location, you’re giving up a significant amount of draft money. This isn’t a quarterback. For this club, it isn’t a position that will affect the game anytime soon.
Terry Fontenot, general manager of the Falcons, justified the decision by claiming that Moore was “a cornerstone talent we couldn’t risk losing.” Moore is a “defensive difference-maker” who matches the team’s new aggressive identity, according to head coach Raheem Morris, who reinforced that assessment.
There are still unanswered questions. There are obvious deficiencies across Atlanta’s squad, especially on the offensive line and secondary. The team ended 7–10 last season and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year.
Opponents contend that it is a waste of money to give up several top picks for an edge rusher who is not a quarterback.
“This feels like a desperation swing,” Mike Tannenbaum, an ESPN analyst and former NFL executive, continued. This deal will come back to haunt them if Moore doesn’t consistently make the Pro Bowl.
The Rams, who have a reputation for trading picks for established players, were happy about the return. “We benefited from this,” a team source told ESPN. “We add valuable assets and adhere to our board.”
The brass is still adamant that Moore is the kind of guy who can completely transform the defense right away. Whether that gamble pays off—or becomes another draft day blunder—will be a defining storyline for Atlanta in the seasons to come.
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